Acoustic Transducer Coupling for Electromagnetic Barrier Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft systems made from metallic and composite materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), act as electromagnetic barriers, inhibiting communication and requiring penetrations or dielectric windows that create potential leak paths and pose risks from high current impulses, necessitating cumbersome and expensive lightning protection systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves coupling transducers to both surfaces of the electromagnetic barrier without physical penetration, using acoustic waves to transmit signals and power across the barrier, eliminating the need for penetrations and reducing the risk of fuel ignition and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If penetrations or dielectric windows are used to enable communication through electromagnetic barriers, then communication capability is improved, but structural integrity and safety deteriorate due to potential leak paths and fuel ignition risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical penetrations (wires, connectors, dielectric windows) with an acoustic wave-based communication system. Transducers convert electrical signals to acoustic waves that propagate through the electromagnetic barrier material itself, eliminating the need for physical penetrations and maintaining structural integrity while enabling communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to transmit information through the electromagnetic barrier. The barrier material itself becomes the transmission medium for acoustic waves, allowing communication without creating leak paths or ignition risks associated with traditional penetrations.
2Reliability
If traditional wiring and lightning protection systems are used, then protection against high current impulses is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electrical/lightning protection system with an acoustic wave transmission system. Since acoustic waves are not affected by electromagnetic interference or high current impulses, the cumbersome lightning protection infrastructure becomes unnecessary, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Loss of information
If penetrations are created in electromagnetic barriers, then communication capability is improved, but maintenance requirements and inspection frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates physical penetrations by using acoustic wave transmission through the intact barrier material. Without penetrations, there are no leak paths to inspect or seal, dramatically reducing maintenance requirements and inspection frequency while preserving communication capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables reliable communication and power transfer through electromagnetic barriers without physical penetration, reducing leak paths and maintenance costs while enhancing structural reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A signal is transmitted between the first transducer and the second transducer without physically penetrating the electromagnetic barrier
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic barrier includes a first surface and a second surface. A first transducer is coupled to the first surface. A second transducer is coupled to the second surface such that a signal is transmittable between the first transducer and the second transducer without physically penetrating the electromagnetic barrier.